Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome what Deputies have said. I take Deputy Daly's point though I do not particularly agree with it. She says she does not agree with it but feels it is not necessary. That is the point raised by Deputy Ó Laoghaire too. I make the point, which the amendment covers, regarding the need to ensure that public representatives continue to do what is an important part of our duty. It is fair to say that it is within the public interest to make representations but I wonder about the respondent - the person or body to which the representation is made - and whether that might be regarded in the same way as we would. The amendment is important. I acknowledge what Deputy O'Callaghan said. If there are further issues which are not immediately apparent now that might be covered in amendment No. 65, then it is open to us all to come back on Report Stage. I acknowledge the importance of these amendments and welcome, if not the support, then the lack of opposition.